One of the city’s best kept secrets, the Buckingham Hotel is as fancy as its name suggests. Rooms are situated on the high rise’s 40th floor to offer some pretty unbeatable city and lake views. The boutique hotel offers three room layouts: deluxe king, double deluxe queen and penthouse suites. Guests can take advantage of the Buckingham Athletic Club, a private fitness center with a pool, fitness center and Peloton Bikes. There’s also a food hall, bar and event venue. While the ultra luxurious accommodations are relatively pricey, the hotel is really not overpriced for all it offers.
The Buckingham Hotel –Best for…
Fitness junkies
Buckingham Hotel guests are able to take advantage of the Buckingham Athletic Club—the building’s swanky gym. It’s pretty impressive, with a lap pool, whirlpool, racquetball court, training area and free weight area. There’s also a golf performance center with swing coaching and golf-specific training. You can also ride one of the many Peloton Bikes with both interactive classes and live instructors. Or, take a yoga or stability ball class in the group exercise studio. There’s even a sauna, steam room and massage therapy services. For guests who take advantage of these services during their stay, it really increases the value of the accommodations.
The Buckingham Hotel Amenities
The Buckingham Hotel offers three room types, all located in the building’s 40th floor. So no matter which you choose, there will be an impressive view. The most luxurious are the Penthouse Suites, which feature a king size bedroom and full living room as well as a wet bar, sofa, dining space and oversized bathtub. Deluxe King rooms have a lot to offer as well, with a marble tub, wet bar, writing desk and Keurig coffee maker. Or, choose a double queen room to stay with a group and enjoy all of the amenities of the hotel plus expansive city views.
Guests are privy to all the Buckingham Building has to offer, which, is a lot. On the third floor, find a conference center, even lounge, food hall, and cafe, as well as the tricked out Athletic Club. The gym has its own lap pool, sauna, and steam room. The event lounge has its own outdoor terrace that overlook Congress Parkway and the Willis Tower. Catch up on emails or play ping pong with a friend.
The Switching Stations Food Hall is open for lunch on weekdays, serving up cuisine from a rotating assortment of Chicago restaurants. Or, the Drailed Resto-Bar overlooks the Buckingham Fountain down the road from Grant Park. The hotel bar serves up craft cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres. On street level, find Taureaux Tavern, a French-American bistro open Monday through Friday for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.
The Buckingham Hotel Location
This storied location is situated near the famous Horse statue. The Willis Tower is just a stone’s throw, or you can walk East to Millennium Park for views of the nearby Buckingham Fountain. The Art Institute is just to the Northeast, with the Lake just beyond. Or, to reach other parts of the city, the hotel is steps from the LaSalle and Van Buren El Stations with access to all lines.
Nearby hotels include the W Chicago City Center, Hotel Blake, and Central Loop Hotel. The Buckingham is the priciest of these locations, but since all rooms are on high floors, you’re getting an upgraded view no matter what.
The Buckingham Hotel –The Verdict
The Buckingham Hotel is not the city’s most widely known places to stay. You’re guaranteed a private respite in on of the 40th-floor rooms, boasting views of the city, lake, and Millennium Park. The building’s biggest asset is the Buckingham Athletic Club, where guests can take a swim in the lap pool or enjoy a massage in the on-site spa. Yes, it’s a splurge, but it’s worth it if you’re going to take advantage of any of those amenities.